In Dufferin, people find escape and plenty to do.
Dufferin County is part of the Hills of Headwaters, a region known for its rivers, its rolling hills and its excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Niagara Escarpment and the world famous Bruce Trail, run through Dufferin offering spectacular vistas and hiking opportunities. The natural landscape that makes this place home to over 56,000 people is our main attraction, but there is much more hiding in the hills to appeal to visitors. Over half a million people made the trek to the Dufferin area in 2010 leaving behind almost $43 million and taking away memories of a wonderful trip. The region is close enough for a day trip from the Greater Toronto Area, but worthy of an overnight stay to capture the full rural experience available here in Dufferin.
Local Food
Those seeking a rural tourism experience will be richly rewarded here in Dufferin and our deep agricultural roots serve to provide those intrepid visitors with a unique taste of place. The 100 plus restaurants that dot the countryside in Dufferin – such as The Globe Restaurant – are embracing the growing trends to incorporate local ingredients into menus year-round. The area is known for its potato production, but cattle, sheep and hogs top the list as well as grains and plenty of small market garden farms offering local chefs ingredients through all four seasons. Culinary tourism is a growing sector and research by Ryerson University shows culinary tourists spend double that of generic tourists. The culinary tourist profile depicts these tourists to be of higher than average income who enjoy activity, the outdoors and cultural activities all of which are already here in Dufferin. The local tourism association, The Headwaters Tourism Association, in conjunction with work being done by the Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance, is working to promote culinary tourism to visitors and locals alike. Restaurateurs, caterers and foodies alike can find opportunities in Dufferin to start move or grow a business and capitalize on the emerging local food scene.
Dufferin is part of Headwaters Horse Country
The tourism value of the equine sector in Dufferin has not gone unnoticed by locals, visitors and the world. The TO 2015 Pan Am Games will be happening right next door to us in Caledon and Dufferin will see many of those visitors pass through our region. The world has noticed we are horse country and the opportunities for tourism are endless. The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association and Dufferin.Biz have joined forces with Caledon, King Township and industry stakeholders to work on developing the economic opportunities offered by this sub-sector of our agricultural sector.
Five minutes out of Rosemont sits a property that captures the modesty and magic of Headwaters; horses standing stoic in their pasture, dogs bounding in the yard under a wide, clear sky and chickens cooped up against the winter cold. This is part of everyday life for Little Creek Ranch owner Elaine Capes, whose dream is to one day give international travellers a taste of the countryside that is Headwaters Horse Country.
To learn more about the equine sector check out the Headwaters Horse Country website which includes a comprehensive listing of equine events happening here in the hills.
Whether you’re coming for a reason, a season or a lifetime, Dufferin has plenty to offer
Outdoor adventures aren’t the only tourism experiences you can get in Dufferin; the region is home to many wonderful cultural institutions from the Dufferin County Museum and Archives to the many artists’ studios that open their doors to the public throughout the year. The region is a four season destination with visits to the area spread evenly across the calendar offering incentive to businesses – such as the Hockley Valley Resort – to cater to tourists throughout the year. Visit the Headwaters Tourism website for more information on accommodations and the types of tourism activity here or contact us for more information on how Dufferin is growing the tourism industry here just outside Toronto’s back door.